Chessum in contention for World Cup after remarkable injury recovery
Ollie Chessum is in contention to make England’s World Cup squad just five months after breaking his ankle
- Ollie Chessum broke his ankle in March and looked set to miss the World Cup
- He’s made a remarkable recovery from the injury and is back in training
- Steve Borthwick is set to name his 33-man squad for the tournament next week
England lock Ollie Chessum is set to complete a remarkable comeback from injury in time for the World Cup.
Medics feared the worst when the Leicester man broke his ankle in March, but he was back in training yesterday, scrummaging with the team as they prepare to face Wales.
The 22-year-old is unlikely to feature in this weekend’s warm-up game in Cardiff, but that will not deter boss Steve Borthwick from selecting him in his final 33-man squad on Monday.
Assistant coach Richard Wigglesworth said: ‘When Ollie is fit and firing he brings an energy with him that’s infectious. He is someone who’s just going to get better and better. He’s got a great attitude, great athletic ability and he’s got the mind to be in an England shirt for a long, long time if he keeps progressing.
‘He’s a top quality player who we are keen to get fit. It looks like that’s very close.
Ollie Chessum (pictured) broke his ankle in March and looked set to miss the World Cup
He is now back in training and could make England’s squad for next month’s tournament
England head coach Steve Borthwick will name his 33-man squad to head to France next week
‘I don’t think we’re going to rush someone back and say, “You have to play”. It’s up to us to make a decision on the best 33 on the back of all the evidence. He obviously gave pretty strong evidence that he’s a top international player when he was fit.’
England’s forward pack is set to get a double boost of heavyweight power, with No8 Billy Vunipola also close to full fitness. He has not played since April thanks to a knee injury.
‘Billy looks highly motivated and he’s had a big impact in training, coming back in straight away,’ said Wigglesworth. ‘He’s shown his class and his form.’
England’s coaches will meet on Saturday to finalise the squad to travel to France.
Only a couple of slots remain up for debate and Borthwick will inform players of their fate on Sunday.
‘We’ve not carried a big squad deliberately,’ said Wigglesworth. ‘We know there are going to be some tight calls. We want as much information as we can to give the guys the best chance.’
Billy Vunipola is also recovering well from a knee problem and could make the final squad
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